Ashington enhanced their chances of carrying off the championship when they inflicted a 93-run defeat on Swalwell when the man-of-the-hour was Simon Prudhoe who batted throughout the innings.

He hit 13 boundaries in 100 not out and formed a second-wicket partnership of 148 whose 66 included seven fours. Stephen Humble bowled an economical 13 overs, five of them maidens, taking three wickets for 36 runs.

Replying, Swalwell were all out in 30.5 overs for 89 with James Harmison capturing three wickets for 25 runs in 7.5 overs.